Raggianas start training for World Cup

 By MELTON PAIS

THE PNG Raggianas’ preparations for the 2017 rugby league World Cup have started, with the naming of a 30-member squad, an official says.

PNG women’s rugby league coordinator Wendy Kohun said 15 of the 30 women in Port Moresby have started their training.

She said the other half, who are scattered all over the country, mostly in the Highlands, would be closely monitored during the course of their respective league competitions. 

“These players identified will be monitored for the World Cup in 2017.

“The World Cup will feature rugby league strongholds, including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and other Pacific Island countries,” Kohun said.

“These countries are well ahead in their preparations.

“Most of these countries have thriving women’s league competitions.

“They will be competitive and offer a stiff challenge for the Raggianas.”

Kohun said with the support of PNG Rugby Football League board, they would identify more women players. 

“After this necessary steps and procedures, we will have the squad named,” she said.

She said she was expecting to see the first Raggianas team in their national colours playing a visiting Australian women’s team during the Prime Minister’s XIII in September in Port Moresby.